I'd get some Nerf guns, swords and if the weather is nice, some super soakers, etc.

I first read the question as 5 year olds and couldn't believe people were saying too babyish! But yeah, for a 5th grader its a little young...

Bouncy castles are ageless.

Anonymous wrote:
Just wondering.
We're having a home party, and besides some themed activities, I was wondering whether I needed to add a bouncy castle to the mix.
Thanks!

No not too old. I got one for my young kids onetime and the adults were even in there nonstop.
If the kids are older they might just hang out in there more than bouncing but still I think they'd like it.

If you want to get fancy you could get an obstacle race bouncy house but those are probably crazy expensive. But fun.
It's like a long bouncy thing, cut into two sides so two kids race side by side over the obstacles

http://www.backyardinflatables.com
http://www.backyardinflatables.com/products/obstacle-courses/

OP here,

Thanks everyone!

The 5th grader in question was worried his friends would think it too baby-ish, and none of the bouncy castles were plain enough. He didn't want "preschool" colors, he was hoping some company would come and install an inflatable tower of Barad-dur in our backyard (Lord of the Rings orc tower)!!!

These 11 year boys.
Oh well. Onto option Z

I don't know - what do the 5th graders think?

Agree with PPs. It's not needed but they would have fun. They will be rough and your only danger will be if you have any little kids around to get trampled. Make sure it's big enough if you do it. My son and daughter would both love the dodge ball combo idea.

I don't think you *need* it by any means. That being said, we had a neighborhood party this summer and got a bounce house and kids of all ages were bouncing and having lots of fun. Even the high schoolers went for it after the little ones had gotten their chance. I think it would be a fun, but not necessarily *needed* addition.

Yes.

Not too babyish, but I bet it wouldn't be as fun as you think either. I'm guessing a weight limit would mean only 2-3 kids could be in it at a time; You'll worry yourself to death that you're going to pay for damages.

You don't need one, but I think 5th grade boys would love it, especially if it was as plain as possible (i.e., no inflated superheroes at the entrance). I don't have girls so I don't know about them.

Maybe put in some soft balls they can throw at each other and say it is for "dodge ball".

A petting zoo seems more "babyish" to me.

I agree. You don't need it but my daughter would gladly jump in it as we haven't seen those for her friends for years so she would like the retro aspect.

You don't NEED to have a bouncy castle. But if you did have a bouncy castle, I bet that people would bounce in it.

Yes I think too babyish. Can you do laser tag instead? Or maybe a petting zoo? Or do you have a trampoline?

Just wondering.
We're having a home party, and besides some themed activities, I was wondering whether I needed to add a bouncy castle to the mix.
Thanks!